Acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K, is a calorie-free artificial sweetener that is commonly used in food and beverage products as a sugar substitute. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, and it does not add calories to the diet.
Acesulfame potassium is made by combining acetoacetic acid and potassium, which results in a highly stable crystalline structure. It is commonly used in combination with other artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, to provide a more palatable taste and enhance sweetness.
One of the benefits of acesulfame potassium is that it does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes or those following a low-carbohydrate diet. It also has a longer shelf life than sugar, which makes it useful as a food preservative.
However, there have been some concerns about the safety of acesulfame potassium. Animal studies have suggested that high doses of the sweetener may have adverse effects on the thyroid gland and could potentially cause cancer. However, human studies have not found evidence of these effects, and regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have deemed acesulfame potassium safe for consumption at levels that are commonly used in food and beverage products.
If you have any concerns about the safety of acesulfame potassium, it is best to consider products that contain alternative sweeteners.